Early 15th century
97.5 x 70. Egg tempera on lime wood.
From St. Parasceve's Church in the village of Dalyova (Poland). Lviv National
Museum.
#i-28
114k, jpeg.

This icon (with the matching icon of Archangel Gabriel) is part of the Deesis. The
appearance
of
this subject in Byzantine art is believed to date from the 6th century. It is based mainly on the
composition representing three personages: the Savior (Christ the Pantocrator), who is
flanked by the Virgin and St. John the Baptist (represented in such a way in three mosaic
medallions in Kyiv's St. Sophia Cathedral from the first half of the 11th century). The subject
derives its name Deesis from the Greek world of entreaty .
Researchers maintain that
the appearance of the Deesis series, which included various personages (great martyrs, holy
warriors, fathers of the church), was influenced by Byzantine court ceremonials. In time, the
Deesis became one of the major parts of the iconostasis. The Theme is to portray mankind before Jesus Christ who appears here as Judge. The Archangels Gabriel and
Michael were indispensable personages who distinguished the Virgin and St. John the Baptist in the Deesis icons, which were used in iconostases of the 14th-15th centuries. The
Archangel Michael from Dalyova is represented in a himation and tunic and holding a baton
and sphere, characteristic attributes of heavenly warriors.